Access to Nepal

By Air, major international airlines and charter flights operate to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport from Abu Dhabi, Bangalore, Bangkok, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Colombo, Dammam, Delhi, Dhaka, Doha, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kolkata, Kunming, Lhasa, Mumbai, Muscat, Narita Tokyo, Paro, Qingdao, Riyadh, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Varanasi.  Among airlines operating into Nepal are Air Arabia, Air China, American Bangladesh Air, Bangladesh Biman, Batik Air, Bhutan Air, Cathay Dragon, China Eastern, China Southern, Druk Air, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Gulf Air, Himalaya Airlines, Indian, Indigo, Jazeera airways, Kuwait, Malaysian Airways, Nepal Airlines, SalamAir, Qatar Air, Silkair, Spicejet, SriLankan, Thai Airways, Thai Lion, Turkish Airline and Vistara.

Recently Nepal has opened Lumbini Gautam Buddha International Airport in the south of the country offering opportunities to more international arrivals.  GBIA is near the historic area of Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha.  Charter flights are possible to land on this airport.

By Land, overland travel is also possible from India through multiple entry points Kakarbitta, Raxaul, Sunauli, Jogbini to the south and to the north via Rasuwa Kyirong, Kodari Zhangmu; from both points it is a drive of 2 day to reach Lhasa.  Or land route available to trek across from the western town of Simikot Nepal to Mt Kailash, TAR.

Population

The country's population is 29,164,578 as per cencus released on March 2021; with approximately 18% of the populace live in the more than 20 cities and towns.  The rest live in the mid hill valleys of the southern “Terrai” plains and in scattered villages and mountain communities.

Language 

Nepali is spoken by a majority of the populace and is the official language while Newari is spoken by 4% in and around the Kathmandu valley.  A dozen or so  ethnic groups speak as many as 50 different dialects  making up the remainder. In the urban areas general populace would understand English and the younger generation most likely to.

Religion

The populace of Nepal largely follow Hinduism with Buddhism as its second religion. Minority are Muslim and other ethnic religion predating to Bon Buddhism. The country is harmonious with all religions in practice.

Geography

Landlocked, Nepal lies between India and Tibet, China.  Almost rectangular in shape, it is 885 kms from east to west and about 145 to 241 kms north to south.  From sub tropical jungle to icy Himalaya, it is home to eight of the world’s ten highest mountains.

Climate 

Nepal’s climate is governed by the monsoon, a seasonal wind that draws moisture up from the Indian ocean from approximately mid-June till early October, and  blows dry air down from central Asia for most of the rest of the year.  The summer monsoon brings heavy rain  (or snow at very  high elevations) except north of the main Himalayan chain.  Precipitation varies, however, from east to west – the eastern part of the country getting most of the rain.  Mid-valley centres like Kathmandu, Pokhara enjoy ambient weather making it a very pleasant throughout the year.

Visa & Immigration

All visitors must hold valid passports for entry into the country.  Visas are available at various Nepalese Embassies and Consulates worldwide or online or upon arrival in the country at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and other land entry points.  A multiple re-entry 15 days visa costs US$ 30, for 30 days visa costs US$ 50 and for 90 days visa costs US$ 125.  A transit visa costing US$ 5 is offered on arrival to visitors who stay for 24hrs or less.  Chinese nationals are provided gratis (free) visa on arrival for upto 90 days which can be extended upto a total of 120 days in one year.

Health

No innoculations are required for Nepal.  An updated list of preventive procedures will be available before travel. Though as of date fully vaccinated certificate or negative PCR test results are required to board flights into the country.

Clothing

Casual clothing is most suitable wherever you travel.  Warm clothing would be necessary from October through mid March while lightweight clothing along with some rain gear is recommended for the summer months July - September.

Office Hours

Government offices and Banks are open from 10 am till 5 pm Sunday through Friday.  Saturday is a holiday but tourist shops and restaurants remain open seven days a week.  Embassies and international organisation observe the usual two day weekend. 

Time

Nepal is 5 hrs and 40 mins ahead of GMT,  2hr 15min behind China time, 15min behind Bhutan time and 15min ahead of India time.

Money / Credit cards

Tourists can carry a total of upto US$ 5000 per person.  Any amount above it must be declared at the Customs on arrival.  The preferred currency to carry is U.S.Dollars, Euro, Yuan or Indian Rupees in cash.  These are easily exchanged at banks, money exchange counters, hotels and travel agencies in major tourist centers at varying charges.  Visa, Master cards and American Express (much less), are welcome at major hotels, restaurants, carpet and curio shops throughout the country.

The current exchange rate is Rupees 132.72 = U.S.$ 1 on 21 February 2024.

ATMS are available in all urban areas.

Duty Free Items

It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old, sacred images, paintings, manuscripts that are valued for cultural and religious reasons.  Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal’s cultural heritage and belong here.  If in doubt contact the Depart of Archaeology or the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office.

Export 

It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old, sacred images, paintings, manuscripts that are valued for cultural and religious reasons.  Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal’s cultural heritage and belong here.  If in doubt contact the Depart of Archaeology or the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office. 

Electricity / Telephone / Cable

Major towns in Nepal are electrified using 220 volts alternating current.  Inter regional phone systems within the country are excellent, making calls possible even from the remotest corners.  International Direct Dialing system is available in all the cities and towns.  Email and internet service is readily found and inexpensive outside the hotels.

Hotels

All classes of accommodations are available from guest house types to luxury deluxe 5-stars, mountain resorts, boutique and heritage properties, wildlife jungle lodges to village home hospitality and the latest trend of wellness spa resorts.  Please check our section of hotels available.

Altitude & roads

Major highways in Nepal are broad roads often winding along scenic river valleys and the plains.  Those leading to trail head go up high passes and are mountain grade.  These are mostly broad enough for two vehicles to pass one another.  The east west highway is a remarkable cross-country journey to undertake.

Festivals

Bada Dashain (September-October) is truly the national festival of Nepal almost like Christmas and New Year.  Every Nepalese is stirred by the prospects of the joy this festival brings with it especially after the monsoon rains. 

Dashain is a time for family get togethers, feasting, merriment and dressing in all your finery.  This commemorates the victory of good over evil. 

Tihar, Laxmi Puja, Dipawali or the Festival of Lights (October-November), occurs a forthnight after Dashain.  The festivity lasts five days marked by worship to different animals; crow, dog and cow on different days. Festivals are celebrated in the mountains as well, such as the Mani Rimdu festivities (September upto November) of the Thyangboche and Chewang monasteries. 

Mid September to Mid- December is the high tourist season. Farmers will be reaping a fall harvest and village markets flaunt the bounty.  This is a particular good time for tours and treks. As the air is crisp and clear, views of the Himalayas are awe inspiring. Monasteries and temples throb with festivals, dancing and celebration.  Temperatures are cool and fresh snow shimmers on the high peaks against deep blue skies.

Nepal is a destination for all seasons and is welcoming of all visitors.  Choose a holiday to enjoy its many charming places and people!